Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino is partnering with Aruba Birdlife Conservation for a cleanup of the Bubali Wetlands to be held on June 6, 2020, in honor of World Environment Day. Each year, World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5, and it is the United Nations’ flagship day for promoting awareness and action for the protection of our environment.

Each World Environment Day is organized around a theme that draws attention to a particularly pressing environmental concern, and this yearâ€™s theme is biodiversity. The Bubali Wetlands are among the 16 areas which will become part of Arubaâ€™s National Park. In 2012, Aruba Birdlife Conservation requested the Parliament of Aruba to have 16 nature areas protected and placed under direct management of Arubaâ€™s National Park. Among the areas are the Ramsar Wetland, Spanish Lagoon, and four Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). Under the Birdlife International protocol, the Bubali Wetlands are among the four most important bird areas for Aruba and the Caribbean.

The wetland area is significant for the near threatened Caribbean Coot (Fulica Caribaea), and is also a habitat range for other waterbirds and numerous migratory shorebirds. This bird sanctuary is comprised of 59 hectares and has two hundred registered bird species.

â€œThe team members and I are honored to partner with Aruba Birdlife Conservation for this cleanup,â€� said Vasco v. Baselli, general manager. â€œThis project aligns with Hiltonâ€™s Travel with Purpose, our corporate responsibility strategy to redefine and advance sustainable travel and tourism globally.â€�

The team at Sasaki Apartments Aruba are busy preparing for your arrival and they cannot wait to welcome you back! In addition to stringent cleaning and social distancing protocols, they have adjusted their cancellation policy for their traveler’s convenience. Visit their website for more details.

A message from Sasaki Apartments Management:

“To make your stay in Aruba as comfortable as possible, we have enhanced our already stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols in all our apartments and common areas.

As a safety precaution, we have provided our housekeeping staff with protective equipment, and have trained them to ensure safe physical distancing between both workers and guests.

As a small apartment complex, our guests can feel safe knowing that there will be no large crowds or high traffic zones surrounding their accommodations, and thanks to our spacious outdoor patio, we can encourage safe physical distancing in all common areas.

The management team at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba continue their efforts to be the Caribbeanâ€™s healthiest vacation experience by perfecting the Coronavirus safeguards and protocols, with a visit to Arubaâ€™s Horacio E. Oduber hospital.

Resort Manager, Rik van der Berg and Assistant Manager, Ignacio Ortiz met with Sinead Geerman, MSCÂ and Marjolyn Maduro, the hospital infection and prevention practitioners, to review our resort protocol and to learn the best approach to ensure health for the protection of our associates and guests alike.

Every associate to be tested for COVID-19 and screened daily

Every associate will be tested for COVID and Bucuti & Tara have implemented employee-screening measures to assess signs and symptoms of infection and whether the employee could have been in contact with the virus. Employees are currently and will continue to go through temperature checks before entering the resort.

Practice, Practiceâ€¦Practice

Bucuti & Tara Associates have all been ServSafe certified and have been thoroughly trained for all new COVID-19 protocols including physical distancing.Â Â With the hotel operation having remained open with new guests, including hospital front-line and ICU personnel and a KLM Airline crew, providing the valuable opportunity to train and implement the new protocols.

In addition to the new UV technology and Industrial Ionization equipment recently announced, Electrostatic devices will precisely apply disinfectants and will sanitize public areas with enhanced protocols for the fitness and wellness areas.

The Aruba Tourism Authority in collaboration with stakeholders and the Department of Public Health have just announced the new â€˜Aruba Health & Happiness Codeâ€™ to be implemented on the island. This new certification program will ensure Arubaâ€™s visitors that the island will uphold the highest health and safety protocols throughout their entire stay.

The objective of the new certification program is to improve the hygiene protocols across the island and to ensure all local tourism related businesses meet the required standards to earn the official ‘Aruba Health & Happiness Code’ seal (HH-Code).

The Minister of Tourism, Dangui Oduber, stated, “As we prepare to reopen our borders, it is critical to evolve and innovate as a tourism destination to protect our local community and future travelers once they reach our shores, we want all visitors to feel reassured in traveling to our One happy island, knowing we worked together as a nation to implement the highest health and safety protocols through every step of their journey.â€�

After visitors arrive on the island they will be able to find the â€˜Aruba Health & Happiness Codeâ€™ certification seal of approval on all of their essential vacation â€œtouch pointsâ€�. Starting from the very beginning at their arrival at the airport and continuing on to all of the businesses that fall into the following sectors: accommodations, F&B, bars, casinos, retail, and tour & activity operators. Each tourism related business must take every required measure to offer a safe environment for both its employees and guests.

Businesses must comply with registration and protocols which are available online and presented in different phases. The first protocols include: accommodations, F&B and retail stores. All businesses that have met the requirements and have been approved will receive a certification seal for display. The Public Health Department will be selecting businesses for an on-site audit to ensure compliance. After a successful audit, the business will then receive a final, golden seal. All certified businesses will also be listed on the Department of Public Health website.

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba has elevated guest health and safety to an art form. As couples continue to make reservations for the adults-only enclave, they will be assured of experiencing the Caribbeanâ€™s healthiest and safest vacation.

As the regionâ€™s most-eco certified hotel, Bucuti has long had a heightened awareness for the health and safety of both guests and the planet. Its new COVID-19 safety protocols were developed within Center for Disease Control guidelines, World Health Organization recommendations and in-person evaluations by practicing ICU (intensive care unit) doctors and nurses currently being hosted onsite at Bucuti & Tara.

Study reveal travelersâ€™ new priorities

A newly released study by Magma Global Travel asked guests to rank what is most important to them as parts of the world continue opening back up to travel. The overarching reveal is that 86.3% want to know exactly â€œhow the hotel cleans their rooms.â€� The other top priority is 59.3% indicated a hotelâ€™s cancellation policy will strongly influence their travel decision. Bucuti shares these health priorities and has also implemented a flexible policy of waiving all cancellation fees through Dec. 22, 2020.

The ultimate in social, yet distant service

Every aspect of the guest experience has been revisited and revised to create an entirely touch-free vacation. Aruba has contained the COVID-19 virus successfully, however, Bucutiâ€™s associates will continue following a regimented protocol ensuring guests and staff are in a healthy, safe setting. All staff will periodically undergo COVID-19 medical tests and will have temperature checks before beginning each workday. Anyone showing any suspicious symptoms will be sent immediately for testing.

From the moment a couple arrives stepping onto the resortâ€™s walkway to the moment they depart, this new touch-free experience blends proven, high-tech hospital grade protocols with Bucutiâ€™s signature hospitality so the experience remains warm and familiar.

Guests are greeted curbside by their personal concierge with welcoming smiles rather than handshakes and escorted directly to their room for check-in via personal tablet. Throughout their stay, their personal concierge is at their ready, so no guests ever have to wait in the company of others.

Hospital-grade, hi-tech protocols

Using sophisticated, advanced technologies, the process has four phases that guarantee perfectly sanitized public areas and guest rooms which are treated and then sealed until guests arrive.Â With no harsh chemicals being used, the multi-step process is administered by highly trained staff resulting in every accommodation always having a hospital-grade sterilization that treats the air and every surface of all spaces:

Step 4. HEPA air-cleaners, which have always been in each room, continue to provide the purest air on the island.

No expense has been spared. The investment in UV and ionizer treatments surpass $100,000 at this privately owned, boutique resort. For Arubaâ€™s tropical environment, Bucuti has specifically selected and implemented a superior protection process with the newest sanitation steps of the UV sterilizing unit and state-of-the-art ionizer technology. The sterilization-grade lamps emit UV lights and the ionizer projects ions that actively attach to and eliminate all viruses and germs. Finally, after sterilizing every room, it is then sealed with a sticker ensuring guests they are entering a hospital-grade, sterilized room. Additionally, at no time will a staff member ever enter a guest room when guests are present.

New initiatives join bedrock of safety protocols

Operating with the guestsâ€™ safety and wellness has been at the core of the resortâ€™s offering â€“ decades before COVID-19. Bucuti & Taraâ€™s ongoing commitment to sustainability and wellness is evident in its extensive technology supporting clean and healthy accommodations. Rooms have always been outfitted with individual HEPA air filters and dehumidifiers, guests breathe the purest air. HAACP and ISO certifications assure guests along with staff that cleanliness guidelines are paramount. Recent accolades â€“ certified CarbonNeutralÂ®, LEED Gold certificationÂ and Travel + Leisure magazineâ€™s 2020 Global Vision Award â€“ celebrate Bucutiâ€™s success in providing the highest standards in a hotel environment.

New dining experience

For dining, tables are spaced even further than the customary uncrowded design and the popular morning buffet service has been updated to made-to-order and safely served individually by staff. Its Elements restaurant menus will now be sanitized and labeled disinfected for every guest who will then place their order from a social-distanced server. Bucutiâ€™s private palapas also offer couples the ultimate in social distancing dining experiences.

During this quiet time, the property is even renovating its guests-only SandBar, which will further provide more space for each couple.

Home of the most beach space per couple

Bucuti & Tara has long guaranteed social distancing every couple with paired sun loungers that are indulgently surrounded by or distanced with 24+ feet of powdery white sand. Couples cherish being able to converse with one another, away from others. With its signature red flag service, staff only comes when guests request. This atmosphere of peace and tranquility is prevalent throughout the resort by design with couples often remarking they think they have the whole property to themselves.Â

â€œEvery day we hear from guests and travel professionals who are ready to return to Bucuti & Tara and we are pleased our new touch-free safety protocols will provide guests with peace of mind so they can focus on what is most important â€“ one another,â€� shares Owner/CEO Ewald Biemans.

The new Grab & Go menu includes familiar beverage options such as Caramel Frappuccinos and caffe lattes as well as selection of breakfast sandwiches and freshly baked goods. The menu will also feature two new combo packages starting at $11.50 for two (2) food items and two (2) tall beverages and $23 for four (4) food items and four (4) tall beverages, designed for groups to order and go with ease.

â€œWe are thrilled to open the first Starbucks location in Aruba,â€� said Wanda Broeksema, Director of Starbucks for Aruba and Curacao. â€œIt is not just as a sign of reopening for Renaissance Aruba, but for our entire community. We realize there is a longer road ahead and new protocols are in place, but this first step is monumental, and our Starbucks partners look forward to serving our neighbors and our guests again in the weeks to come.â€�

In preparation to welcome back Starbucks customers and in accordance with Arubaâ€™s social distancing requirements, Starbucks Renaissance Marketplace has implemented the following enhanced protocols:

Heightened cleaning and sanitation systems

Social distancing markers throughout the waiting area and public spaces

Reusable cups are banned until further notice

For more information and to place orders, please call: (297) 523-6750 or WhatsAppÂ (297) 597 6753.

April 25, 2020 – Status quo maintained – positive 100, active 29. Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 29 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 69. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 31 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1608 persons tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine remains at 58. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.

On April 28th, the Aruba Government is expected to inform the general public if the current restrictions in effect (shelter in place measure, daily curfew and limitation on gatherings of more than 3 persons) will be modified in any way.

Also recently an article was published by the Aruba Airport Authority (AAA) where they stated that they are preparing to be able to receive passengers as of June 1st. While these preparations may indeed be taking place, this does not mean that the restriction on incoming passengers will be lifted on that date – that is a decision that will be taken by the Aruba Government, and to date there has been no indication of any specific dates when that could happen. When questioned about this during a press conference, Aruba’s Prime Minister’s reaction indicated that she was surprised by the AAA announcement and also said that it seemed unlikely that anything would happen by June 1st. Ultimately it is the Aruba government’s decision to take and none has been taken yet.

April 24, 2020 – No new cases, positive remain at 100, active cases remain at 29. Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 29 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 69. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 42 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1577 persons tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine drops by 7 to 58. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.

April 23, 2020 – No new cases, 1 recovery, active cases at 29. Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 29 are active positive cases, total recovered has increased to 69. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 31 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1535 persons tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine remain at 65. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.

April 22, 2020 – 3 new cases, 17 recoveries, active cases drop to 30. Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 100 of which 30 are active positive cases, total recovered has jumped by 17 to 68. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 26 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1504 persons tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine remain at 65. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.

April 21, 2020 – Cases remain stable, no new recoveries, testing continues. Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 97 of which 44 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 51 – same situation as yesterday. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 33 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1478 persons tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine have dropped by 16 to 65. There are still no inconclusive test results at this time.

April 20, 2020 – 2 more persons recover, no new cases reported. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 97 of which 44 are active positive cases. 2 more persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 51. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 1445 persons have been tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine have dropped by 21 to 83. There are no test results pending at this time.

April 19, 2020 – Restriction on inbound travel extended to May 31. According to a â€œNotice Â to Airmenâ€� (NOTAM) filed with todayâ€™s date with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Arubaâ€™s Reina Beatrix Airport will not be allowing incoming passengers other than legal residents of Aruba and airline staff. There will be no restrictions on outbound passengers. This restriction remains in effect until May 31.Â This notice is available on the FAA NOTAM websiteÂ underÂ Arubaâ€™s airport code TNCA. NOTAM #Â A0169/20. This information has also been confirmed by the Aruba Airport Authority.

April 19, 2020 – 1 new positive case today; 5 persons recover. Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba increased by 1 new case to 97 of which 46 are active positive cases. 5 more persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 49. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 1442 persons have been tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine remain at 104. There are no test results pending at this time.

April 18, 2020 – Positive cases remain at 96, active positive cases drop by 1 to 50. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 96 of which 50 are active positive cases. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 1358 persons have been tested so far. Number of persons recovered has increased by one to 44. Persons who are in quarantine have decreased Â by 2 to 104. There are no test results pending at this time.

April 17, 2020 – Total positive cases increase to 96, active positive cases drop to 51. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 96 of which 51 are active positive cases at the moment. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 1298 persons have been tested so far. Number of persons recovered has increased to 43. Persons who are in quarantine has increased by 16 to 106. There are no test results pending at this time.

April 16, 2020 – Total positive cases increase to 95, of which 54 are active. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 95 of which 54 are active positive cases at the moment. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 1237 persons have been tested so far. Total recovered remains at 39. The number of persons who are in quarantine is 90 and no test results are pending at this time. Contact tracing related to the second COVID-19 death announced yesterday is ongoing. Persons who may have been in contact with the person are urged to call the COVID-19 Call Center number: 280-0101

April 15, 2020 – Second COVID-19 death confirmed. A second person has died of coronavirus in Aruba. The person, a 39 year-old man, was confirmed to have been ill with the disease after testing positive posthumously. According to local reports this person had contacted 911 and was referred to the Department of Healthâ€™s diagnostic center for testing, and was due to be tested the next day. Unfortunately the person passed away before having been tested. Contact tracing is under way to establish persons who the deceased may have been in contact with while ill. Deepest condolences to the manâ€™s family.

Social distancing measures extended. The Aruba government also announced today that the nightly curfew and the mandatory shelter in place directive that are in place until April 19 have both been extended until April 28.

April 15, 2020 – Active positive cases drop to 53 with 1 new case and 7 recoveries reported. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 93 with 1198 persons having been tested so far. An additional 7 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 39. The number of persons who are in quarantine has dropped to 91 and no test results are pending at this time.

April 15, 2020 – Aruba sees first death related to COVID-19. Following a few days of positive news in that no new cases had been reported, unfortunately Aruba woke to the very sad news of the first COVID-19 related death. A 79 year-old person who was hospitalized due to coronavirus has succumbed to the disease, despite all treatment efforts. Sincere condolences to the family of the deceased at this difficult time.

April 14, 2020 – Active positive cases remain stable at 60 with no new cases reported.Â For the 3rd day in a row the total number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 92. Active positive cases remain stable at 60. 1154 persons have Â been tested to date. Total recovered remains at 32. The number of persons who are in quarantine has risen to 114 and no test results are pending.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has extended the â€œno sailâ€� order for Cruise Lines to 100 days. This means that cruise lines originating in the USA will not be sailing until mid-July. Some previous reports indicated that cruises would be including Aruba as a port of call as early as May, however it is now very unlikely. Other cruise lines not originating in the USA are not necessarily subject to this â€œno sailâ€� order; but Arubaâ€™s borders remain closed until further notice irrespective.

April 13, 2020 – Active positive cases stable at 60 with no new cases reported. Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 92 with 1147 persons having been tested to date. Total recovered remains at 32. The number of persons who are in quarantine is 103 and no test results are pending.

April 12 , 2020 – Active positive cases drop to 60 with 3 more persons recovering. Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba to date remains at 92 with 1145 persons having been tested so far. An additional 3 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 32. The number of persons who are in quarantine is 103 and no test results are currently pending.

April 11, 2020 – Positive cases rise with 6 more to 92 – 2 more recover – active positive cases up to 63. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 92 with 1118 persons having been tested so far. An additional 2 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 29. The number of persons who are in quarantine has dropped significantly to 109 and no test results are pending at this time.

April 10, 2020 – 4 more persons test positive – 7 more recover – bringing active positive cases down to 59. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 86 with 1058 persons having been tested so far. 302 persons are in quarantine. There are also no test results pending at this time. An additional 7 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 27.

April 9, 2020 – US Consulate announces April 15 flight to Fort Lauderdale.Â The US Consulate General in Curacao has announced that on April 15th at 1pm a Spirit Airlines ‘humanitarian’ flight will be taking stranded US citizens and legal permanent residents to the US. The flight will depart Arubaâ€™s Reina Beatrix Airport at 1:00pm with final destination Fort Lauderdale (FLL) via Cartagena, Colombia where other US citizens/residents will be picked up en route. US citizens and legal permanent residents currently stranded in Curacao or Bonaire have the possibility of taking an arranged Divi Divi Airlines flight to Aruba to then take this Spirit Airlines flight to the USA.Â More information available here.

April 9, 2020 – 5 more persons test positive – 6 more recover – bringing active positive cases down to 62. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 82 with 1008 persons having been tested so far. 302 persons are in quarantine. There are also no test results pending at this time. Very positive news is that an additional 6 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 20.

Today it was also announced that all schools in Aruba will remain closed until May 11th.

April 8, 2020 – An additional 3 persons test positive bringing active positive cases to 63. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 77 with 990 persons having been tested so far. 349 persons are in quarantine. There are also 3 tests pending a confirmed result.

Additional measures during Easter weekend. We have been asked about the Aruba government announcement of additional measures on April 7 that will be in place this coming Easter weekend. To clarify, on Friday 10th (Good Friday), Sunday 12th April (Easter Sunday) and 13th April (Easter Monday) shelter in place rules will be stricter. It will not be possible for people to go to the beach for recreational reasons on these days – it will strictly only be allowed for health reasons. The ban on gatherings (on foot or in a vehicle) of 4 or more persons will be extended to include families (except while at home under the same roof). The only valid reasons for leaving one’s home will be to visit a doctor; to go to the pharmacy and for food services. All establishments will be closed on these days except for gas stations (open from 7am to 7pm), pharmacies, food delivery/takeout/drive-thru services (11am to 7pm). On Saturday 11th, shelter in place rules will revert to the current status.

April 7, 2020 – 3 more persons test positive – 12 recover. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 74 with 954 persons having been tested so far. 395 persons are in quarantine. On a very positive note, an additional 12 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 14. This means that there are currently 60 active positive cases, down from yesterday’s figure of 69. There are also 2 tests pending a confirmed result.

April 6, 2020 – An additional 7 persons test positive – total at 71. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 71 with 910 persons having been tested so far. 402 persons are in quarantine. An additional person has recovered bringing total recovered to 2. This means that there are currently 69 active positive cases.

April 5, 2020 – No new positive cases, persons tested increase to 869. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently stable at 64 with 869 persons having been tested so far. 381 persons remain in quarantine. 2 persons remain in intensive care. For quite some time now, just 1 person is being reported as having recovered.

April 4, 2020 – Positive cases increase to 64. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently 64 with 863 persons having been tested so far. 381 persons remain in quarantine.

April 3, 2020 – Positive cases increase to 62 with 2 in intensive care. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently 62 with 837 persons having been tested so far. 9 persons have been hospitalized, and 2 persons are in intensive care.

April 2, 2020 – Positive cases increase to 60. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently 60. A total of 805 persons have been tested so far. Some people are contacting us to ask when Aruba plans to allow international flights again. It is understandable that many people want to re-book flights and everyone in Aruba is extremely appreciative of visitors wanting to come back as soon as possible. However, there is no information available at this time as to when the Aruban Government will allow flights to the island to resume.

April 1, 2020 – Positive cases remain at 55.Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently stable at 55. A total of 737 persons have been tested to date.Â 53% of cases in Aruba are male; 47% female. 20% of cases are in the vulnerable group normally defined as persons with underlying health issues including heart disease, diabetes and chronic lung conditions.

March 31, 2020 – Positive cases rise to 55.Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is now 55. A total of 682 persons have been tested to date. Four of the persons who have tested positive are in hospital, one of whom is in intensive care, but in stable condition.

March 30, 2020 – Positive cases remain at 50.Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently stable at 50. A total of 634 persons have been tested to date. Curfew procedure update by police: Up until now curfew violators would be taken to the police station, served a fine and then released. From now on, to further discourage persons from violating the curfew, anyone caught in violation will be detained until the following morning, served the fine and then released.

March 29, 2020 – Positive cases rise to 50.Â The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is now 50, out of 601 persons tested to date. Earlier today the official count was published as 52 however this has been revised due to 2 cases being inconclusive. It has also been announced that hospital visits by the general public are not allowed moving forward. This is because it is very difficult to follow and enforce social distancing rules at the hospital. Some exceptions are in place for pediatric patients and for maternity-related visits.

March 28, 2020 – 46 people now have tested positive. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is now 46, out of 560 persons tested to date. The strategy being applied is to test as much as possible, given the resources available. As a result the number of positive cases will inevitably increase as is being seen. It is notable that there have been over 180 arrests of persons who have violated the mandatory curfew. Each of these are subject to fines of Awg. 1,000 (~US$560). Furthermore businesses who violate the curfew order are subject to fines of Awg. 1,500 (small business), Awg. 3000 (medium sized businesses), and Awg. 5,000 (larger businesses). Fines could be increased to a maximum of Awg. 10,000.

March 28, 2020 – Shelter in place and list of non-essential activities. The shelter in place order that comes into effect on March 29 at 12:00am means that persons are only allowed to leave their homes for essential activities such as buying food, medicines or to do exercise. Furthermore as announced yesterday a ban on gatherings of 4 persons or more will also come into effect on Sunday; with the exception of families living under one roof. The 9pm to 6am daily curfew remains in effect until April 20, subject to re-evaluation.

The government of Aruba has defined the following as non-essential, and these will have to cease operating for as long as decreed by the government (currently in effect until April 20, 2020):

March 27, 2020 – An additional 5 persons test positive. Restrictions extended until April 19. Aruba now has a total of 33 cases of COVID-19 coronavirus. 10% of persons tested have tested positive so far. During the briefing at 7:00pm AST, Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that all measures and restrictions currently in place that previously had a deadline of March 31, 2020 have been extended to April 20, 2020. This includes all school closures, travel restrictions, the 9pm to 6am daily curfew. She mentioned that this is all subject to re-evaluation depending on how the situation develops. The ‘shelter in place’ order that comes into force on Sunday March 29 will also be in place until April 20, 2020, subject to similar re-evaluation. In addition, all non-essential businesses and services are required to stop operating as of March 29. A list of non-essential businesses, services and activities will be published soon. An additional measure that will also come into effect as of Sunday March 29, being a ban on gatherings of 4 or more persons, was also announced during this evening’s briefing.

March 26, 2020 – Cases spike to 28. Aruba now has a total of 28 cases of COVID-19 coronavirus; jumping from yesterday’s count of 19. Consequently the government has decided to ramp up measures to mitigate local transmission. As of Sunday March 29, there will be a mandatory ‘shelter in place’ order. On Friday March 27, specific details of this order will be published.

March 25, 2020 – 2 new cases announced. Arubaâ€™s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced two new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba. One case is ofÂ local transmission while the other is an ‘imported’ case – a person who recently traveled to Colombia. Both persons are locals. This brings the total number of positive cases in Aruba to 19 out of the 294 persons tested to date.

March 24, 2020 – Minister of Health announces 5 new cases. Arubaâ€™s Minister of Health, Dangui Oduber announced five new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus. This brings the total number of positive cases in Aruba to 17. Up to now 20 tests were being done per day and these have doubled to 40. Furthermore, the Minister announced that as of Friday 27th March all lotto outlets have been instructed to close. Aruba’s Prime Ministers, Evelyn-Wever Croes also mentioned that Aruba’s Parliament has approved unanimously the proposed plan of 1.3 billion florins (~US$722 million) to support Aruba’s economy. She also made a repeated appeal for people to stay home and practice social distancing.

March 23, 2020 – 3 new cases – 2 of local transmission. Arubaâ€™s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced three new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba. All cases are local persons and 2 have occurred via local community transmission while the third was contracted while the person was in Colombia. This brings the total number of positive cases in Aruba to 12. The Prime Minister also announced that there is a planned stimulus and rescue package of 1.3 billion florins (~US$722 million) to help employees and businesses in Aruba including small to medium businesses. This package will be achieved through a reduction of costs by government, and through international loans. Some updates to opening rules and business hours were also announced: allÂ establishments must close by 8:00 pm. All bars and restaurants are to close except for takeout/delivery and must close outright byÂ 8:00 pm. Gas stations can remain open until 8:00 pm.

March 22, 2020 – 1 new case – an Aruban national – announced. Arubaâ€™s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced an additional case of COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba. Significantly, this is the second reported case of local community transmission. The Prime Minister reiterated that ongoing recommendations for social distancing are extremely important at this stage whereas several persons seem to be not taking this seriously enough. Following this announcement, Yolanda Pronk from the Public Prosecutorâ€™s office mentioned that the authorities were clamping down hard on any persons who do not comply with the mandatory daily curfew between 9pm and 6am that will remain in effect until March 31. Several persons (29) have already been fined Awg. 1000 each (~US$560) for non-compliance and two persons were fined additional sums for resisting the police. The Prime Minister also mentioned that additional steps to limit freedom of movement could be taken if the public does not comply with social distancing recommendations or with the mandatory curfew.

March 21, 2020 – 3 new cases announced in Aruba. Speaking in what has become a regular daily press conference, Â Arubaâ€™s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that an additional 3 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba bringing the total positive cases to date to 8.

March 19, 2020 – Mandatory curfew to come into effect on Saturday March 21. Arubaâ€™s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that as of this coming Saturday a mandatory curfew will be imposed in Aruba. The curfew will take effect at 9pm and will last until 6am. It will remain in effect until March 31. Furthermore as from Saturday until March 31, all incoming travel will be stopped, including access for Aruba residents. In a statement, the CEO of the Aruba Airport Authority, Mr. Joost Meijs confirmed that, as reported earlier today,Â an employee of a company operating at Aruba’s Reina Beatrix airport tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. This person was indeed the fifth known case on Aruba.

March 19, 2020 – Employee of a company operating at Aruba airport tests positive. According to Aruba Airport Authority spokesman Hendrik Croes, an employee of a company operating at Aruba’s Reina Beatrix airport has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. No information was given as to which company this person works for and whether it is the same person announced by the Department of Health as the fifth person to test positive. The work area in question has been closed off. Contact tracing is currently under way to identify people who this person may have come in contact with, and out of caution all high risk persons who work at the airport have been sent home. Three Aruba Airport Authority employees have been sent home to self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.

March 19, 2020 – Fifth case announced, and one recovery. A fifth case of COVID-19 coronavirus, identified as a person of Aruban descent who recently returned to Aruba, has been confirmed by Aruba’s Department of Health. It was also confirmed that one of the other four cases has recovered. Furthermore Aruba’s first confirmed case, a 65 year old American national who was on the island working as a consultant to Aruba’s Water production facility, has been transported to the U.S. via air ambulance. The person had been in isolation, and had recovered sufficiently to be able to be transported back to the U.S.

Related to the social distancing efforts in Aruba, all businesses and establishments must close by 8:00pm as of today, March 19th. The only exceptions to this are specific on-duty pharmacies, drive-thru and delivery-only restaurants, and gas stations. These can remain open until 10:00pm. Additionally, all casinos, movie theaters and gyms be required to close until further notice, and all group sports activities will stop as of March 19th also.

March 18, 2020 – Department of Health holds press conference. Aruba’s Department of Health held a press conference at 1pm AST where they brought forward some additional information. No new cases have been reported as of the time of the press conference.Â Currently 125 persons in Aruba are in quarantine for the required 14 day period. The Department of Health reported that the COVID-19 hotline is being inundated with calls, and appealed to the public to use that number only if the combination of symptoms associated with COVID-19 (see post below) are being manifested. The Department of Health also indicated that additional lines of communication will be added shortly including a Whatsapp line and a dedicated number to be used only by persons aged 60 and over. Specifically for Aruban nationals/residents who are stuck abroad and who are having difficulty returning to Aruba the following contact numbers are available: +297 5696897 / +297 5689251 / +297 5637928 .

March 17, 2020 – Fourth case of coronavirus announced. Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes has just announced a fourth case of COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba. The person who tested positive for the coronavirus is a tourist.

March 17, 2020 – No new cases based on tests carried out to date. In a broadcast press conference to provide an update on the situation in Aruba, Aruba’s Health Minister announced that there are no new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus as of noon today.Â A reminder was given to call the COVID-19 Hotline at (+297) 280 0101 (free of charge) if one experiences a combination of symptoms that include high fever above 102Â°F (39Â°C), dry cough, and shortness of breath. The Minister of education also declared that schools would remain closed until January 31st. The local awareness campaign is having its effect and several businesses are taking definite steps to put social distancing into practice in what is an ongoing and increasing island-wide effort to curb the spread of the virus as much as possible.

March 16, 2020 – Third case of coronavirus in Aruba. In a broadcast press conference, Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced a third case of COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba. Additionally, the prime minister announced that as of March 17, 2020 all establishments (restaurants, bars and gas stations included) will be required to close by 10pm. Several restaurants have decided to close outright for the time being, while others are offering takeout and/or delivery. In the interest of safeguarding employees and the general public, additionally several casinos and retail stores have also closed for now.

March 15, 2020 – Lockdown on all international inbound travel. In a broadcast press conference at approximately 8pm AST, Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that there will be a lockdown on all inbound international travel commencing at midnight of March 16, 2020 and ending on March 31, 2020. An exception to this inbound travel lockdown will be granted to Aruba residents. A travel advisory will also be instituted for residents, advising against outbound travel at this time. To date Aruba has two confirmed Corona Virus cases. It is important to note that this lockdown does not apply to outbound travel for international travelers currently in Aruba – they will be able to take their return flight home.

March 14, 2020 – Cruises initiated at U.S. ports have suspended operations. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has said that cruise lines from U.S. ports have suspended service for the next 30 days as of March 14,2020. Any other cruise ships arriving to Aruba from cruises initiated at non-US ports continue to be required to submit a maritime health declaration to the Department of Public Health in Aruba and the Department of Public Health can inspect any cruise ship whenever deemed necessary. Furthermore, any cases of isolation will not be allowed to disembark from the cruise ship they are on.

March 13, 2020 – First positive cases announced in Aruba. In a broadcast press conference, Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that two persons in Aruba have tested positive for Corona Virus. One is an Aruban national who recently traveled to and returned from New York and another is an American national who is a consultant to Aruba’s water production company WEB. Both persons have been isolated and manifested only mild symptoms. It was also announced that as of March 14 airport screening will be much more stringent and that as of Sunday March 15 travelers from Europe, with the exception of Aruban nationals, will not be allowed entry, at least until March 31 when this measure will be reevaluated. This will also apply to persons from the list of countries designated by WHO as having sustained and widespread transmission. Aruba’s Prime Minister also mentioned that all public and private activities including any cultural activities have been cancelled for the coming days, at least until March 31. Out of caution, schools will be closed as of Monday March 16 until further notice.

March 12, 2020 – Aruba’s Reina Beatrix airport is stepping up cleaning efforts significantly. In a statement, CEO Joost Meijs said that aside from routine daily cleaning, the cleaning frequencyÂ of public areas has increased; and sanitizer machines as well as soap dispensers have been added to strategic areas. The full statement from Aruba’s airport CEO is available here.

March 10, 2020 – According to a statement by Aruba’s Minister of Health all tests on individuals who experienced symptoms similar to those of the Corona Virus have turned out negative. To date Aruba has no known cases of the Corona Virus. Updates will continue to be posted as they become available.

ORANJESTAD, March 6, 2020 – We reached out to the authorities for for information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) in Aruba and were provided with an official statement provided by the Minister of Tourism, Health and Sport. We also have some additional information on certain measures being taken by the Department of Public Health in collaboration with the tourism sector, medical practitioners and the general public in Aruba.

The main takeaways are as follows, valid as of date of the official statement.

There are neither suspected nor confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Aruba

There are currently no restrictions on travel to or trade being applied in Aruba

Screening is being done at the Aruba airport

Cruise ships are required to submit a health declaration to Aruba Department of Public Health which also has the authority to carry out inspections

Furthermore the following steps have been / are being taken or being recommended by the Department of Public Health

Aruba’s Hospital and ImSan have designated rooms to treat suspected Covid-19 patients including drawing blood for tests. 42 rooms are available for possible isolation of patients and can be expanded if needed.

There is a COVID-19 hotline on +297 280-0101 which is available 24/7.

People reporting symptoms such as headache, high fever and shortness of breath/respiratory issues, are being advised to contact their family physician by phone and provide requested information including any travel history.

Information sessions have been organized for people in Aruba’s tourism industry, for healthcare providers and for the general public

Many hotels are stepping up their sanitation efforts

There is an ongoing coronavirus awareness campaign for the general public in Aruba

Below is the official statement from Aruba’s Ministry of Health & Tourism.

“The Ministry of Health and Tourism of Aruba is collaborating with all
government authorities on a national level in actively implementing Arubaâ€™s preparedness and response plan for COVID-19. Aruba continues to monitor the situation of the Coronavirus locally, regionally and internationally. As of January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Please be informed that there are neither suspected nor confirmed cases of the Coronavirus reported in Aruba, and there are no probable cases in quarantine.

In accordance with International Health Regulations (World Health Organization), Aruba is not applying any restrictions on travel or trade. We are welcoming visitors to the destination. Aruba is employing several measures used globally and has the capability of testing COVID-19.

All airlines with service to Aruba have received notification of
their responsibility to flag potential cases on board flights. All passengers,
including residents, who have traveled to or taken trips originating from
China, South Korea, Japan, Iran or Italy within the past 14 days shall be subject to screening upon arrival. The list of names of the aforementioned identified passengers shall be sent to the Immigration Department and Department of Public Health prior to landing in Aruba. Transit passengers shall go through the same screening process as the passengers with Aruba as their final destination. Screening protocols will not be waived under any circumstances, even for passengers who may have been screened at destinations prior to arriving in Aruba. A medical letter will not be accepted as an exemption for screening.

Upon arrival, identified visitors will complete a traveler health questionnaire. Any potential cases will be subject to immediate screening by the Department of Public Health for symptoms (fever, coughing, and shortness of breath). The Department of Public Health will decide if these passengers or crew member(s) will be quarantined or isolated.

Passengers displaying symptoms will be isolated and receive clinical treatment as per W.H.O. guidelines for COVID-19. In case passengers were in contact with a recent confirmed case, these will be quarantined for an amount of 14 days after the last contact.

In reference to the cruise industry, the current International Health Regulation will continue to be applied. Each cruise ship is required to submit the maritime health declaration to the Department of Public Health in a timely manner. The Department of Public Health can make use of its authority to inspect the cruise ship whenever deemed necessary. As per regulation, cases of isolation will not be allowed to disembark from the cruise ship.

A local awareness campaign is currently underway to educate and inform the public about the importance of basic hygiene practices, such as proper hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, frequent disinfection of surfaces, cough and sneeze protocol. Avoid going to public places at all times when having respiratory illnesses.

All other protocols defined by the World Health Organization are also in place and shall continue to be activated accordingly.”

During these times of unprecedented universal uncertainty, Soul Beach Festival Productions Inc has been in constant dialogue with the Aruba Tourism Authority as well as our travel and corporate partners with the safety and health of you, our Soul Beach festival-goers, always in mind. After considering both domestic and international developments regarding the spread of COVID-19, under which ongoing local official restrictions, based on the Disaster Ordinance of Aruba aimed at containing the spread of the virus in Aruba, it has been determined that we sadly have to announce that the festival which was originally scheduled for May 20-25, 2020 in Aruba will now be held May 26-31, 2021.

All Soul Beach festival-goers that have previously purchased 2020 event tickets through our website, www.soulbeach.com, will receive a direct email with detailed instructions. Ticket purchasers will have the option to either apply their concert tickets to the 2021 Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba or receive a refund. For more details on the process,Â please see the FAQ link on our website.

Please continue to visit www.soulbeach.com and sign up for the Club Soul Beach email list to receive ongoing updates. Also, please stay tuned to Facebook and Instagram @soulbeachmusic as we will identify efforts and services where the Soul Beach Family can support our brothers and sisters in need, both within the US and with our extended family in Aruba.

We will continuously monitor the unfolding developments and updated information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), our partners in Aruba, and their public health Agencies.

We appreciate all of your continued support over the last 20 years and ask that you please stay safe during this ongoing public health emergency, and continue to follow the guidelines of the CDC and your local health agencies.

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba remains open for guests and is preparing for new ones. Having successfully rebounded from several past events, including the resortâ€™s grand opening on Black Monday in 1987, the famed Eagle Beach resort once again prepares to spring back and welcome guests as well as future reservations.

Staffed and Open

Owner/CEO Ewald Biemans and his Bucuti associates are using this time productively with remodeling, renovating, refreshing and deep cleaning the resort. Every department head is executing a complete plan to utilize the quiet time to revitalize and to implement additional training to further enhance the property and experience.

Optimistically preparing to return to their normally full house of guests, the Bucuti & Tara team are enthusiastically moving forward with projects designed to delight the returning honeymooners and couples looking for the adults-only peace and tranquility the resort is recognized for. At a time when health is particularly paramount, returning guests will enjoy Bucutiâ€™s evolving wellness program complete with options within fitness, nutrition and mental wellbeing.

â€œWe appreciate the ownerâ€™s confident approach to this current situation by maintaining employment for our team with positive projects and investments,â€� states Resort Manager Rik van der Berg. â€œIt is uplifting to both our Bucuti & Tara family and our Aruban communityâ€�.

Bucuti & Tara is also coming to guests and followers spanning the globe â€“ virtually. On March 18, 2020, this special social media outreach launched with special hashtag, #BringingBucutiToYou. With Bucutiâ€™s vast following of loyal guests, the resort team wanted to connect with them and bring them a little piece of paradise until they could once again visit in person.

Ewald Biemans launched the first video post to instant success. Comments and likes continue pouring in and every few days more video posts are added. From swaying palm trees, powdery sand and soothing ocean views, to staff keeping beer chilled and even check-ups on the first Leatherneck sea turtle nest on the beach this season, these videos are a welcomed reprieve from the serious news of the day.

With the developing global Covid-19 crisis, many of you are experiencing significant disappointments over lost, much-anticipated vacations. We follow the global news, and we know your lives have greatly been affected and disrupted, lately.

Here too. In the past few weeks Aruba emptied of tourists, many resorts have shut down operations, and a general curfew has been announced effective March 20, 2020, from 9pm to 6am. Most businesses have shut, except food stores and pharmacies, allowed to remain open till 8pm.

The island is experiencing great hardship, and our goal is to keep our employees on the payroll and our resorts in top shape, for as long as it is humanely and financially possible.

First and foremost, we are going to get through this crisis as partners.

Our industry is resilient. You were among the last ones to leave and we know you will be among the first ones to return. Our island has been through challenges before, and with the help of the Timeshare / Vacation Ownership, Aruba got its economy back on track, and will recover as soon as the viral storm subsides.

ATSA is confident that the vacation ownership resorts will emerge from this situation stronger, but we need to stay united, fearless and positive at all times.

Our association is aware that the resort members, staffers, strategic partners and the economy of Aruba depends on our industry, and we will not let One Happy Island down.

We ask you to be patient, as we do not know the impact nor duration of the pandemic, but we will keep you posted.

As a direct economic consequence of the travel ban, our resorts are empty and our concessionaires were forced to close. Over the next months, you can count on ATSA to be proactive, in finding relief, and helping the Vacation Ownership resorts keep their heads above water, in view of the virus outbreak, which dealt a harsh blow to Aruba’s economy and everyone’s economic resources.

We are determined to do what it takes to bring you back to your Dushi Island, and turn back the clock to happier days.

We wish you and your families health and safety and hope to welcome you back at your home away from home, soon.Â Stay Safe and be well.